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Grande
Ronde River by Dory
Springtime
in Oregon on the beautiful Grande Ronde River. The birds are singing
and the flowers are in bloom. The water flows gently through the
majestically forested canyon. A five day raft trip on this gem of
a river is the perfect preface to summer!
Save Our Wild Salmon Fundraiser
May 21 - 25, 2008
$1275 per person/Deposit $300
THE
GRANDE RONDE RIVER
The Grande Ronde is a hidden jewel of a river and a perfect trip for
families and first time river runners. In 1988 the forty-four mile
section between the Wallowa River confluence and the Washington State
border was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by the U.S.
Congress. The Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers are also protect by
the State of Oregon as Scenic Waterways.
Fed
by the snowpack of the Elkhorn Mountains, the Grande Ronde River
is characterized by a mix of steep, rugged canyon walls, dense forests,
and grassy slopes. The canyon is stunningly beautiful and it provides
winter habitat for Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, whitetail deer,
bighorn sheep, and eagles. Over the centuries Native Americans used
the river canyon as a travel corridor, for camping, and for hunting,
fishing, and gathering activities. The remains of abandoned homesteads
provide a glimpse at life on the river in the early 1900Ős. Large
grassy benches make wonderful camps and provide access to easy to
moderate hiking opportunities.
RIVER
CLASSIFICATION
This stretch of river is rated Class II - III Gentle current
and mild whitewater |
THE
TRIP
SPRINGTIME IN PARADISE...gentle flows of spring runoff, mild whitewater,
wildflower hikes, bird watching...comfortable days and cool evenings,
campfires and hot chocolate, wildlife, and glorious forests to explore.
SUNDOG
EXPEDITIONS' Grande Ronde dory and raft trips are based out of either Lewiston or Moscow,
ID (please check with Sundog for the beginning location of your particular trip). On the eve of your trip we will meet you at your hotel to give
you your river bags and answer any last minute questions you may
have. We provide almost everything you will need for your trip beginning
with a scenic three and a half hour ride by bus or van to your put-in
near Minam, Oregon. Lunch will be ready when you arrive and after
you eat, your guides will take a few minutes to get you fitted in
your lifejacket. Your Grande Ronde trip actually launches on the
Wallowa River which flows into the Grande Ronde 10 miles downstream.
For the next five days you will float through a deep, remote and
forested canyon, exploring and discovering along the way. You will
travel a total of 90 river miles before you reach the take-out at
Heller Bar, WA on the Snake River and you from there you will be
shuttled back to your hotel in Moscow.
Large
meadows and benches provide great camping and easy access to hiking
opportunities (easy to moderate). Bring you binoculars and your
camera - there is so much to see and photographic opportunities
abound! The Grande Ronde, with its gentle current and mild whitewater,
is a perfect river to try out an inflatable kayak, or you may choose
to sit back and enjoy riding in a dory rowed by one of our terrific
guides. At camp you can relax and read or join a hike for a spectacular
view of the river canyon.
| WHY
WE OFFER FIVE DAY TRIPS...
What a difference a little bit of time can make! We offer five
day river trips because YOU deserve it. Our trips are long enough
for you unwind, relax, refresh, and leave feeling renewed and
inspired to take on the world again! Participate at your own
level of comfort! Whether you decide to play in an inflatable
kayaks, hike, sit back and read, or work along side your crew,
we encourage you to take off your watch and let the river set
the pace of your vacation. |
CAMPING
ON THE GRANDE RONDE RIVER
In keeping with the nature of the place, SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provide
a participatory experience. We camp daily along the river on beautiful
grassy meadows and forest benches among towering Ponderosa Pine
and Douglas Fir trees. In addition to setting up your personal campsite,
you may choose to be involved in setting up camp. You will also
have the opportunity, if you like, to help the crew in the preparation
of meals.
GROUP
SIZE
At SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS we choose to run smaller trips than many of
our fellow outfitters. This allows you, your fellow travelers and
your guides and crew all to get to know each other. Our trips on
the Grande Ronde generally range from 8 to 12 participants with
4 to 5 guides and crew. As regulated by the USDA Forest Service
our maximum trip size is 25 inclusive of all. Our guest to guide
ratio is never greater than four to one.
EXPERIENCE,
AGE, FITNESS
This is a wonderful trip for family groups, first time campers,
and first time kayakers. We recommend the Grande Ronde for children
8 years of age and older and there is no upper age limit. You should
be reasonably healthy because river trips require a certain amount
of physical exertion. If you are pregnant, have heart trouble or
other serious health concerns please consult your physician before
signing up for any river or outdoor adventure trip. People with
disabilities and challenges are welcome on Sundog Expeditions trips,
please call and talk with us so we can be sure we can safely meet
your special requirements. First time campers are welcome and will
acquire skills in outdoor living with the help of our very experienced
guides. SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS is an equal opportunity service provider.
WEATHER
Spring and early summer on the Wallowa-Grande Ronde can bring warm
days, cool nights, and sometimes thundershowers. Daytime temperatures
may range from 55-90 degrees with nighttime lows from 40 to 60 degrees
. On occasion it may rain throughout the day.
MEALS
& FOOD
All meals will be provided on the river from lunch on the first
day of your trip through lunch on your take-out day. You will enjoy
a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. Fresh Coffee and
cooked breakfasts are prepared by your crew at camp each morning.
There will be a mid-day lunch stop at one of the many beautiful
beaches along the river. And your crew will begin dinner preparations
when you reach camp after a day on the river. Appetizers will be
followed by a full-course meal and of course a delicious dessert.
We are able to accommodate most all dietary preferences and requirements.
| A
sample menu
for one day might go something like this...For Breakfast, Fresh
Brewed Coffee, Tea, and Orange Juice, Baked Egg Fritata served
with English Muffins and fresh melon. For Lunch on the river...Chicken
Almond Salad or fresh Vegetable Salad on Whole Wheat or White
Pita Bread, served with fresh fruit and cheese. And later on
at camp, Appetizers of Brie and Smoked Salmon with Crackers
and fresh vegetables. Dinner of Shrimp Pesto Pasta served with
Hot Garlic Bread and a fresh Caesar Salad. For Dessert...Strawberry
Shortcake. |
BEVERAGES
Fresh filtered drinking water is always available and we servea
variety of other beverages including coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate,
soda, fruit juice, and Gatorade.
EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIED SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS
provides each guest with a Coast Guard Approved/Type V Lifejacket,
all eating utensils (including plates, bowls, and flatware), an
insulated coffee mug with lid, a high quality 3-season tent (double
occupancy), wetsuits (for inflatable kayakers), waterproof bags
for personal gear, and storage for breakable items.
TENTS
To insure your comfort we provide you with a high quality three-season
tent (double occupancy). We will teach you how to set it up if you
have no experience or are unfamiliar with the equipment. Single
occupancy tents are available for a nominal charge.
CLOTHING
Layers are always a good bet, especially in the spring. When you
sign up for a trip with SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS, you will receive an
information package which will include a detailed list of what you
will need to bring with you to be comfortable both on the river
and at camp. Once you receive the list call us with any question
you still have
SLEEPKITS
Sundog Expeditions has Rental Sleepkits available. Avoid the hassle
of traveling with bulky sleeping gear by renting. Sleepkits include
a high quality Polarguard filled sleeping bag, a paco (sleeping)
pad, a pillow and case, and a ground cloth. Our rental gear is thoroughly
laundered between each use and replaced regularly.
BATHING
Your crew will set up a shower tent at one or more camps, so you
can enjoy a private and hot shower.
*
Sundog Expeditions practices LOW IMPACT camping techniques *
TOILET
In order to keep the camps on the Grande Ronde River clean, we carry
out all waste and trash. Each day when you arrive at camp your guides
will set up a private portable toilet system. Please don't worry!
Your comfort is paramount and your crew will explain everything
you need to know at the very beginning your trip!
CAMPFIRES
Campfire are made in a firepan. This lets us avoid scorching the
soil and allows us to remove the ash from camp.
LODGING
AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Our Grande Ronde River trips are based out of either Lewiston or Moscow, Idaho. Please call our office to verify the details of your particular trip. If departing from Moscow we suggest our guests stay at the Best Western University Inn where
our pre-trip meetings are held. If leaving from Lewiston the Red Lion Hotel is our suggestion. For both of these SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS will make your
reservations for you. You will be able to store your luggage and
valuables at the hotel. If you are driving you can leave your car
there as well. The hotel provides shuttle service to and from the
Pullman/Moscow Airport.
TRAVEL
When you sign up for a trip with us you will receive a detailed
information pack which will include information on travel and accommodations
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BY
AIR fly to LEWISTON, IDAHO
You can fly directly into the Lewiston Airport (LWS) on Delta (Skywest) or Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). DRIVING If you are driving
to Lewiston, Idaho we recommend that you consult one of the
travel planners found on the internet for directions.
BY
AIR fly to PULLMAN/MOSCOW
You can fly directly into the Pullman/Moscow Airport (PUW) through
Seattle, Washington on Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). For
reservations call 1-800-547-9308. DRIVING If you are driving
to Moscow, Idaho we recommend that you consult one of the
travel planners found on the internet for directions.
BY
AIR fly to SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
The closest International Airport to Moscow, Idaho is located
in Spokane, Washington, which is approximately 80 miles to
the north of Moscow and 115 miles north of Lewiston. Spokane International Airport is serviced by most
major airlines.
FROM
SPOKANE TO MOSCOW or LEWISTON
You can rent a car and drive. Hertz offers
one-way rentals. For information call Hertz at1(800)654-3131. *Rental cars should
be reserved well in advance to insure availability.
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